Even though your teeth are tough, the tooth enamel is still not impervious to damage. While a blow to the face can cause a shallow crack in a tooth, damage could also occur from something as simple as grinding your teeth or chewing on ice. Even if the crack doesn’t threaten the internal structures of the tooth, it could still trap bacteria and food particles, causing a new area of decay to form.
Even if the crack is shallow and doesn’t cause sensitivity problems, you will still need to have it treated and repaired to prevent future tooth decay. A small crack can sometimes be repaired with a dental filling. However, most cracks require the entire tooth enamel layer to be replaced with a dental crown.
The process starts with your dentist, Dr. Vinh T. Pham, using a drill to remove the entire enamel layer of the tooth. This leaves behind a post-like abutment that encases the pulp and root of the tooth.
A detailed impression will be made of the area, which will be sent to our dental lab. This will serve as a guide while the technician custom crafts your new crown. Then, he will secure a hard, plastic, temporary crown over the abutment to protect it.
We will call you to schedule a brief second appointment when your new crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed and your new crown will be cemented atop the abutment.
If you have a cracked or otherwise damaged tooth, you should call 408-378-8500 to seek timely treatment at Kirkwood Dental. We are happy to see if a dental crown in Campbell, California, is right for you.